Whether you’ve heard guitarist Dave Stryker leading his own group (with 28 albums as a leader), co-leading The Stryker/Slagle Band, or as a featured sideman with Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff and many others, you know why the Village Voice calls him “one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.” He was voted once again — his 10th time — into the 2017 Downbeat Readers and Critics Polls.

His 2015 album Messin’ with Mister T is a celebration of the man he worked with for over a decade — Stanley Turrentine or Mister T — with 10 of the greatest tenor sax players on the scene today, including Eric Alexander. The album went to No. 1 on JazzWeek Radio and stayed in the Top 50 for 20 weeks. Stryker’s 2017 CD Strykin’ Ahead features the same lineup as his 2016 album Eight Track II — Steve Nelson, Jared Gold and McClenty Hunter — and is getting excellent reviews.

More than one jazz critic has claimed that listening to tenor saxophonist and imposing improviser Eric Alexander unfettered and at length is one of the greatest treats in jazz. He is known for his sophisticated hard bop and post-bop style. A prolific recording artist, he has released three dozen albums as a leader.

Steve Nelson is as one of today’s most revered jazz vibraphonists who has played with a long list of luminaries, including Kenny Barron, David “Fathead” Newman and perhaps most significant, Dave Holland.

Along his journey from his hometown of Pittsburgh to New York City, Nelson crossed paths with another significant jazz figure, the late pianist, composer and bandleader Mulgrew Miller, who became his kindred spirit.